Wednesday, October 30, 2019
“Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness.” (Luke 11:35), New Living Translation) 

                Happy Samhain to you all!

                The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain preceded the celebration of Halloween but the latter maintained many of the properties and characteristics that we associate with our version. Early Christianity created its own version of this end of summer event in order to Christianize and eventually  replace Celtic beliefs and customs. They also added an All-saints Day on November 1.

                Samhain was seen as a very sacred, supernatural and dangerous time of the year, also falling on October 31.  As the darkness and accompanying death of summer wrought by winter began to invade the land, people believed that last day of October marked a time when the space between the spirit world and the living world became very thin. Malevolent or mischievous spirits would cross over and wreak their nastiness. Trick or treat anyone?

The Britannica describes Samhain as “a time fraught with danger, charged with fear, and full of supernatural episodes. Sacrifices and propitiations of very kind were thought to be vital for without them the Celtics believed they could not prevail over the perils of the season or counteract the activities of the deities.” (Britannica Website)

I am not a superstitious person. I enjoy fantasy stories of magic, wizardry, dragons, and the like but it is not called “fantasy” for nothing. I do like to think that  there are mysteries and wonders and amazing events that can leave us agog and awed at how all of Creation works. Science still hasn’t it all figured out either. I doubt that it ever will. In fact, I hope not. I like a little mystery and even the thrill of the unknown or not-yet. It keeps us humble!

But we should be very  attuned to these times which are fraught with danger, not so much by goblins and ghouls but by the darkness of the evil which humankind can engender all by ourselves, often without much prompting from the Evil One, although  I am sure that Satan enjoys our proclivities for causing the sinful damage we bring into the world. The Devil may have made us do it, but it didn’t take much encouragement. The space between good and evil is very thin at times.

 It is easy to allow the monsters of formed by our actions, words,  even thoughts leak into the real world and cause it bedlam.

Perhaps, this is why, in Galatians, Paul included “sorcery” or “witchcraft” as in some versions in a whole host of all too human traits such as “sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,  idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5: 19 -21)

                Now that’s scary – to live a life that is so full of fear, anger, pain and hatred that it possesses i.e. takes over, your whole life and dictates how you live. And we miss out on a truly blissful sort of living.  It is demonic in spirit to see others as only strangers, alien and as enemies.  It is eerie how some people can lead such hurtful and selfish lives in a world which, especially right now, needs the potent powers of love, forgiveness, hope, reconciliation and justice.

                Better to be a saint on November first and beyond than just a phantom of what God intends  us to be. 


Dale

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.” (Psalm 104:24, New Living Translation) 

                All things bright and beautiful,
                All creatures great and small,
                All things wise and wonderful,
                The Lord God made them all. (C.F. Alexander)

                When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a veterinary. I even worked for a few weeks for the local vet in Belleville under an internship grant. It was fascinating. In just a couple of weeks I experienced many facets of veterinary medicine. And I have several quite memorable stories that came out of even such a short time.

Once we went to a farm to castrate some pigs.  Usually, this is done when they are quite small, just a few days old or so.  When we got to the farm, we discovered that we were dealing with much older porkers, each weighing maybe around a 100 pounds or more, making the task extremely difficult. Our solution, crude but effective, was to rope them around the back legs, throw the rope over a barn ceiling beam and hoist them up, leaving their back side exposed to do the deed.  There is nothing quite so ear-splitting as a squealing pig. And we had about a dozen we had to nip and tuck.

Susan and I have become addicted to several of the reality vet shows on TV: The Incredible Dr. Pol, Dr. Oakley the Yukon Vet and Dr. K’s Animal ER. I now know more about the insides of cows, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, even lizards and tortoises than you could imagine and you might not want to. Some of it is quite graphic. They don’t save every animal. Dr. Pol is a 76-year-old doctor in Michigan, but as strong as some of the big animals he tends to.  He’s old-school when it comes to practicing veterinary medicine and a lot of things he can tell simply by touch and feel and by just looking at something.

Our pets are very precious to us. It is amazing to go into a pet food store and see aisles full of various sorts of just dog food alone. One pet food company in the United States generated 18 billion dollars in sales in 2018. And we pet owners know that a vet bill can easily soar into the hundreds of dollars. Yet, generally speaking, we will go to such lengths if there is even a small chance we can save our pets. Non-pet owners may think we’re crazy in the way we pamper our pets.  There is hardly a client on the vet shows who doesn’t say something to the effect that their pet is like their  child or is part of the family or a best friend or some other sentimental notion. Even some of the farmers have some warmth for their cows.

Maybe we are just a little bit crazy.

Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1: 24 – 25)

God then made humanity to become good stewards of all  these  creatures, both domestic and wild, as well as the  birds of the air and fish of the sea. Creation is good and we should do a far better job of maintaining it and grooming it and providing for all of its welfare.  A farmer who doesn’t look after his cattle, keep them well-fed and cared for, tending to them if sick, keeping their shelter clean  and pest  free will eventually lose  his  or her very livelihood.

So too, all of us need to care about what is happening to our planet. We have slowly been killing our earthly home. If you don’t believe that climate change is real, you should. When God gave us dominion over this world and its creatures he didn’t mean for us to run it into the ground but to nurture and tend to its well-being. As one bumper sticker has it: There is no Plan(et) B.

He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell,

How great is God Almighty,

Who has done all things well.

Dale

Wednesday, October 16, 2019
“I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16, New Living Translation)


                It is a rainy, gloomy, almost bleak, day here in Peterborough. The day began in the near-dark when I got up. Now that Thanksgiving is over, the days seem to get shorter even faster. Today’s weather seems a precursor to the dull days of November when even the colourful leaves are gone. I have put on my SAD light as I write. Even the dogs are curled up and listless. This is definitely not my favourite time of year.

                Have I brought you down now, too? Misery loves company, so they say.

                It seems too early in the season to be so thirsty for light. There is, of course, always the optimism that it will return. Tomorrow may be sunny and bright, I hope. In a few months (!) the days will get longer once again. New life blossoms out of the cold and snow – eventually. But right now, in the moment, let me just say it – bleah!

                Isaiah was speaking to a people who were walking in their own brand of darkness called Exile, forced to live as immigrants in another country, far from home and familiar customs. One might argue that they brought this misery upon themselves by their idolatry and faithlessness. Be it as that may, it was a bleah existence as expressed by Psalm 137: “How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:1, NLT)

                Yet, as often is the case, God shines a new light on the situation.  It will not continue to be so dark. New hope is on the horizon.  Fresh possibilities are just around the corner.  Brighter days are coming. God speaks through his prophet to paint a picture of encouragement and inspiration. God has seen the situation that they are in and now wants to lead them out of these dark times and re-establish his light within their community and fellowship. As much as God is irritated and provoked by the people’s worship of other gods, he can’t and won’t forsake them and leave them in the dark. “I will not forsake them.”

                This a substantial commitment from God; not just wild-eyed optimism nor wishful thinking. It is a promise full of grace and confidence. It has the assurances of a loving God who, after discipline, throws his arms around his prodigal people to guide them and lead them home once again. “Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:12, NLT)

                I expect that there were Jewish people of that time in that foreign space who scoffed and scorned such words. Who could blame them, really?  In general, life wasn’t very sunny at all and getting back home seemed highly unlikely.

                But to some degree, that very darkness makes the words that much more powerful and dynamic. Such words seem incredible and wondrous and daring and bold and audacious. It’s like waiting in the pitch darkness in a wilderness, lost and all alone, desperate and helpless, and then seeing a beam from a flashlight, heading your way, finding you. Someone is coming with a light to show the way out of those dire circumstances. The wielder of that light has come to save you. That light washes away your despair, fears and the darkness. What a feeling!

                So, I am reminded and  I am reminding you to trust in the Light when the roads are bumpy and there are nothing but blind corners and nothing looks too bright. God has not forsaken you or me. God has not given up in finding us. God has not  left us in the dark.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119: 105, NLT)


Dale      

               

Wednesday, October 9, 2019
“O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:2 New Revised Standard Version)


                “Let the chaos begin!”

                Those were the emailed words of our oldest son, Nick, as the whole Soble tribe prepares to trek to Godrich for Thanksgiving celebrations. By whole tribe, I do mean all 15 of us, including nine adults, four boys under the age of six, and two new-borns. Only the dogs are staying behind, although we may get a visit from Finzi, Maggie’s Newfoundland dog. We have rented a huge, century home which we have rented before. It has several bedrooms, two living rooms, a large study, a huge dining room, and a large kitchen – lots of room for everyone and then some. It’s quite the mansion. The kids could get lost in the house  and not be seen for hours.

                My annual hunt for a humongous turkey of close to 30 pounds was over before it ever started. Last month, I was in a local grocery store and discovered that they had three or four of the extra big, frozen birds. So, we bought one and it will join the festivities in its own sort of way. I am very grateful for its sacrifice.

                A gathering of the Soble clan is always a boisterous, noisy, animated event. “Let the chaos begin!”

                The Psalmist invites us to make a joyful noise. It becomes part of the thanksgiving procession into God’s presence. The worshippers can’t contain their excitement, their ebullience, their joy, their enthusiasm in knowing that they are loved by God. They want to shout it out to the roof tops, and their hearts are full of God’s grace and goodness.

Maybe, it had been a good harvest year. Maybe, for the moment, all was good and right in the world. Maybe, everyone was having a taste of prosperity and, for once, there was enough to go around for everyone. There is obviously a spirit of confidence, of well-being, of assurance and peace. “For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” (95:7, NRSV) Life is good and the people want to make a joyful noise of thanksgiving in appreciation and gratitude.

There are, of course, many Psalms which give voice to times that are sour and bitter.  But even many of those climb out of their despair and angst and find new hope and fresh trust.

I have often told the story of the homeless man who came to the men’s shelter in Ottawa. As he was being served dinner, he couldn’t contain himself so that he stood up and told everyone how grateful he was and how fortunate he was that he could have a hot meal and a roof over his head for the night.  Make a joyful noise, indeed!

Some families have a custom at Thanksgiving dinner of going around the table just before grace is said and each person has to say one thing that they are thankful for. We don’t do that at our thanksgiving table but we do hold hands around the table and say a grace that has been the Soble grace since our own kids were small. “God is good; God is great; thank you for our food. Amen.” When there are thirteen voices, big and small, chiming in it is a joyful noise expressing our thankfulness for the gifts of love, laughter, health and new life that has come during the year. God is indeed good!

So, go and find something which will elicit a joyful noise out of you. Don’t hold it in. Give voice to it. Let God know; let someone else know. Come on, let it out. I know it’s in you. Don’t be shy. Try a “Hallelujah!”

                “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.” (Psalm 100:1)

                Louder! I can’t hear you!

Dale

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” (Philippians 4:11, New Living Translation) 

Allow me to describe a moment of perfect, blissful contentment.

We were visiting Erin and the boys in Mississauga on Sunday while Nick and his brother, Nate, were off to close up the cottage over the weekend. Susan and the two older boys were playing a video game in William’s bedroom. The boys love playing “Plants and Zombies” with grandma. I was holding one-month old Beckett who had fallen asleep in my arms. So, Erin used the peace and quiet for a quick nap of her own.

Soon, I  had stretched out the sofa and Becket remained fast asleep, lying on my chest, cradled in my arms.  Both he and I were perfectly content in that moment. I, for one, couldn’t have asked for anything more right then. The occasion brought me joy and satisfaction.

How do you define contentment?

I suspect we all have different and varied definitions as to what might make us feel contented. Perhaps it’s some job or task well done or finally completed. Maybe, it’s that cup of coffee while sitting on a deck watching a sunset. Or enjoying a good restaurant meal with your best friend or loved one. Maybe, it’s an inspiring worship service. Or solving a problem. Perhaps it’s good day in which our aches and pain have eased for while. Or hearing good news. Or experiencing a moment in which we feel loved or special.

Contentment is not as easy to come by as we would like and therefore it is special and treasured when it happens.  Rarely, is the best contentment rooted in the stuff of materialism and consumerism which is  more likely  to make us restless,  malcontented and greedy for more. Just the constant desire alone to acquire all that we can is a bumpy road to real contentment. “So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” (1 Timothy 6:8 NLT)

Contentment can’t be forced or coerced out of a situation. It doesn’t have to be generated by anything which is momentous or monumental but can be inspired by something simple, ordinary or everyday. It is a moment of grace and gift. There may even be a hint of sacredness or holiness about it, making the moment transcend the ordinariness of it all. One becomes acutely aware that this occasion is uniquely special and satisfying. It evokes a sense of gratitude and appreciation. Contentment calls out the best in us and infuses us with a spirit of shalom or well-being.  “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (1 Timothy 6:6, NLT)

Contentment is no something to be taken for granted. Enjoy! Take pleasure; find peace; absorb it; remember. You can recall it in times of stress and upheaval. It can offer a reservoir of hope and possibility in times of challenge or distress.

We need to continue Paul’s thought from out text above. “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4: 12 -13, NLT) With a little help from his friends and an active faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ Paul discovered that contentment was measured by different standards or values than the busy demanding,  hectic world was offering. It gave him a freedom to accept whatever life had in store and strength to overcome and an inner peace that saw him through the lean times as well as the good times.

Peace be with you! 

Dale